U.S. patent number 5,934,598 [Application Number 08/702,143] was granted by the patent office on 1999-08-10 for manually operated cord storage reel.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Alert Stamping & Mfg. Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Paul S. Blanch, Stanley E. Grzywna, James D. Kovacik.
United States Patent |
5,934,598 |
Kovacik , et al. |
August 10, 1999 |
Manually operated cord storage reel
Abstract
An apparatus (11) for storing a cord includes a pair of side
panels (12, 13) each having a plurality of retainer cavities (29,
30, 31), a bearing aperture (26) and a pair of mounting bosses (64)
formed thereon, a plurality of spacer bars (14, 15, 16) having
opposite ends (33, 35, 37) inserted into corresponding ones of the
retainer cavities for maintaining the side panels in spaced apart
relationship and threaded fasteners (50) attaching the side panels
to the spacer bars. A spool (17) for storing a cord has opposite
ends (41, 44) rotatably retained in the bearing apertures (26) and
slots (68, 69, 70) with cut outs (68a, 69a, 70a) for retaining an
end of the cord. A winding handle (18) is attached to the spool
(17) by legs (55) engaging retainers (52) on the spool ends (41,
44). Mounting brackets (19) are provided for receiving the mounting
bosses (64) and releasably retaining the side panels (12, 13) on a
mounting surface.
Inventors: |
Kovacik; James D. (Brecksville,
OH), Blanch; Paul S. (Broadview Heights, OH), Grzywna;
Stanley E. (Elyria, OH) |
Assignee: |
Alert Stamping & Mfg. Co.,
Inc. (Bedford Heights, OH)
|
Family
ID: |
24820020 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/702,143 |
Filed: |
August 23, 1996 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/395;
242/118.4; 242/591; 242/587.2; 242/405.3; 242/404.3; 242/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H
75/446 (20130101); B65H 75/40 (20130101); B65H
2701/33 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65H
75/38 (20060101); B65H 075/30 (); B65H 075/38 ();
B65H 075/18 () |
Field of
Search: |
;242/395,406,407,613,118.4,587.2,125.1,591,405.3,395.1,402,598.5,404.3
;D8/359 ;191/12.2R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Sears, Roebuck and Company, Craftsman 71-69621 Wall Mount Hose Reel
Owner's Manual, 1991, 4 pages, U.S.A. .
Alert Stamping & Mfg. Co., Inc., Alert catalog, Mar. 1991, 5th
page, U.S.A..
|
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; John Q.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: MacMillan, Sobanski & Todd,
LLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A manually operated portable cord storage reel apparatus for
windably storing a cord and for transporting the cord by hand
carrying comprising:
a pair of side panels each having a plurality of retainer cavities
formed therein, an end wall having a bearing aperture formed
therethrough, and at least one mounting boss formed on an exterior
surface of said end wall adjacent a bottom portion of said side
panel;
a plurality of spacer bars extending between and attached to said
sides panels, each said spacer bar having opposite end portions
respectively retained in associated ones of said retainer cavities
for maintaining said side panels in a fixed spaced apart
relationship;
a generally tubular spool for storing a cord, said spool having
opposite end portions respectively rotatably retained in said
bearing apertures and a retainer attached to each of said spool end
portions;
a winding handle for rotating said spool about a longitudinal axis
of said spool in said bearing apertures, said winding handle having
an attachment means releasably engaged with one of said retainers
for releasably attaching said winding handle to said spool at a
selected one of said spool end portions; and
a mounting means adapted to be attached to a generally vertical
mounting surface and having recesses for receiving said mounting
bosses and releasably retaining said bottom portions of said side
panels on the mounting surface, and wherein said winding handle is
accessible for rotating said spool when the portable cord storage
reel apparatus is removably retained by said mounting means in a
first position with said bottom portions resting on the generally
vertical mounting surface and said longitudinal axis of said spool
extending in a generally horizontal direction and when said bottom
portions are resting on a generally horizontal surface in a second
position, the portable cord storage reel apparatus being capable of
being hand carried between the first and second positions.
2. The portable cord storage reel apparatus according to claim 1
wherein each of said side panels has a pair of feet formed on said
bottom portion for resting on the vertical mounting surface in the
first position and for supporting the apparatus on the generally
horizontal surface in the second position.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein one of said spacer
bars includes a generally U-shaped central portion forming a
carrying handle.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said spool has a
plurality of spaced apart flange segments extending radially
therefrom adjacent said end portions for retaining a cord on said
spool.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said spool has a slot
formed therein including an arrowhead shaped cut out for releasably
retaining the cord to be wound on said spool.
6. A manually operated portable cord storage reel apparatus for
windably storing a cord and for transporting the cord by hand
carrying comprising:
a pair of side panels each including a generally planar end wall in
the shape of a trapezoid with a flange extending inwardly from a
plane of said end wall about a periphery thereof, a plurality of
ribs extending inwardly from the plane of said end wall and
cooperating with said flange to form a plurality of retainer
cavities, a bearing aperture formed through said end wall, at least
one mounting boss extending outwardly from the plane of said end
wall adjacent a bottom portion of said flange and a pair of feet
formed on said bottom portion for resting the apparatus on a
generally horizontal surface;
a plurality of spacer bars each having opposite end portions
inserted into associated ones of said retainer cavities, said
spacer bars being attached to said side panels for maintaining said
side panels in a spaced apart relationship, one of said spacer bars
adjacent a top portion of said flanges forming a carrying
handle;
a spool for storing a cord formed of a pair of half cylindrical
spool sections, said spool having opposite end portions
respectively rotatably retained in said bearing apertures, a
retainer attached to each of said spool end portions, a plurality
of spaced flange segments extending radially from each of said
spool end portions for retaining a cord wound on said spool, and a
pair of axially extending slots formed in said spool having cut
outs extending from said slots circumferentially of said spool in
opposite directions for retaining the cord to be stored on said
spool;
a winding handle for rotating said spool about a longitudinal axis
of said spool in said bearing apertures, said winding handle being
releasably engaged with one of said retainers at a selected one of
said spool end portions;
a generally tubular plug releasably engaged with one of said
retainers at one of said spool end portions opposite said winding
handle; and
a mounting means adapted to be attached to a generally vertical
mounting surface and having recesses for receiving said mounting
bosses and releasably retaining said bottom portions of said side
panels on the mounting surface, and wherein said winding handle is
accessible for rotating said spool when the portable cord storage
reel apparatus is removably retained by said mounting means in a
first position with said bottom portions resting on the generally
vertical mounting surface and said longitudinal axis of said spool
extending in a generally horizontal direction and when said bottom
portions are resting on a generally horizontal surface in a second
position, the portable cord storage reel apparatus being capable of
being hand carried between the first and second positions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for storing
cords and, in particular, to a portable manually operated cord
storage reel.
Cords, such as lines, ropes and electrical extension cords, and
cord-like devices, such as water and air hoses, can be difficult to
store, transport and keep from tangling. For example, many times it
is desirous to operate electrically powered tools and appliances at
locations remote from an electrical outlet. In those instances, an
electrical extension cord can be utilized to deliver the electrical
power to the remote location. As the required length of the
electrical extension cord increases, so do problems involving
keeping the cord from becoming tangled, storing the cord and
carrying the cord from location to location.
One solution to these problems is shown in the U.S. Pat. No.
2,856,470 wherein an electrical extension cord is stored on a reel
rotatably mounted inside a portable enclosed housing. A handle arm
having a rotatable knob is provided for rotating the reel to wind
the cord into the housing. One end of the cord is connected to a
pair of electrical receptacles mounted in an exposed end plate of
the reel. The other end of the cord extends through an opening in
the housing and terminates in an electrical plug which can be
engaged with an electrical receptacle at a source of electrical
power. A carrying handle is attached to an outer surface of the
housing.
There is shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 2,977,427 a reel for a lawn
mower electrical cord which reel is rotatably mounted on a support
arm which can be inserted into a socket fixed in the earth or
secured to any non-movable surface. A handle is attached to the
reel for rotating the reel to wind the cord.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,536 shows an extension cord reel rotatably
mounted in a portable housing having one side open to expose a side
of the reel. A handle is provided on the exposed side of the reel
for winding the cord. The reel is formed of two identical spool
sections. A carrying handle is attached to an outer surface of the
housing.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,497 shows a portable extension cord reel
set including a reel formed of two symmetrical halves, an enclosed
housing formed of two symmetrical halves which in the reel is
rotatable and an extension cord having a female outlet molded on to
one of its ends with the outlet being trapped in an operative
position between the two halves of the reel. Both sides of the reel
are exposed with the outlet on one side and a handle for winding
the cord on the other side. A carrying handle is attached to an
outer surface of the housing.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,239 shows a portable electrical cord reel
and storage system including an enclosure having a carrying handle
and rotatably mounting a reel for winding an electrical extension
cord with a winding handle attached to the reel.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,833 shows a retractable booster cable
device including a portable container which rotatably supports a
spool having a knob on an exposed side for winding the cables on
the spool. A carrying handle is attached to an outer surface of the
container.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,320 shows a portable electrical cord reel
including a housing having a carrying handle and being open at one
side to expose a rotatably mounted hub with a winding handle
attached thereto.
While many of the prior art electrical cord storage devices are
portable, they do not provide for mounting on a surface for storage
or use. Furthermore, the housings tend to add weight and obstruct a
view of how well the cord is wound on the reel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a portable apparatus for storing a
cord such as an electrical extension cord. The apparatus includes a
pair of side panels each having a plurality of retainer cavities
formed therein, a bearing aperture formed therethrough and at least
one mounting boss formed thereon and a plurality of spacer bars
each having opposite ends inserted into corresponding ones of the
retainer cavities for maintaining the side panels in spaced apart
relationship, one of the spacer bars forming a carrying handle. A
first plurality of fastener means extend through attachment
apertures formed in the sides panels and engage attachment
apertures formed in the ends of the spacer bars for retaining the
spacer bar ends in the cavities. A spool for storing an electrical
extension cord has a pair of spool sections with opposite ends
rotatably retained in the bearing apertures and a retainer means
attached to the spool section ends. One of the spool sections has a
plurality of flange segments extending radially therefrom and the
other spool section also has a plurality of flange segments
extending radially therefrom, the flange segments retaining an
electrical extension cord on said spool. A second plurality of
fastener means extend through first apertures formed in the one
spool section and engage second apertures formed in the other spool
section to couple the spool sections together. A winding handle is
attached to the spool by the retainer means for rotating the spool
in the bearing apertures. A mounting means adapted to be attached
to a generally vertical mounting surface is provided for receiving
the mounting bosses and releasably retaining the side panels on the
mounting surface.
It is an object of the present invention to provide for releasable
mounting of a portable electrical extension cord reel on a
generally vertical mounting surface.
It is a further object of the present invention to reduce the
weight of portable electrical extension cord reels.
It is another object of the present invention to expose the
electrical extension cord wound on a reel to view.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention,
will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when
considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a manually operated electrical cord
reel apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus shown in
the FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the apparatus shown in the
FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along the
line 4--4 the FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along the
line 5--5 in the FIG. 4; and
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along the
line 6--6 in the FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
There is shown in the FIG. 1 and the FIG. 2 a manually operated
cord storage reel apparatus 11 in accordance with the present
invention. A pair of side panels 12 and 13 are maintained in spaced
apart relationship by a plurality of spacer bars 14, 15 and 16. The
spacer bar 16 also functions as a carrying handle for the apparatus
11. A reel or spool 17 is rotatably retained at opposite ends
thereof in the side panels 12 and 13. A winding handle 18 can be
attached to either end of the spool 17 for rotating the spool about
its longitudinal axis to wind up a cord (not shown) such as an
electrical extension cord. A mounting means 19 is provided for
releasably retaining the cord storage reel apparatus 11 on a
mounting surface S such as a wall of a building.
The side panels 12 and 13 are formed with an identical construction
such that they are interchangeable as shown in the FIG. 2 and the
FIG. 4. The side panels 12 and 13 include a generally planar end
wall 20 in the shape of a truncated triangle or trapezoid (see the
FIG. 3). Extending from a plane of the end wall 20 about a
periphery thereof is flange 21 formed from a bottom portion 22, a
generally parallel top portion 23 and side portions 24 and 25 which
are connected between corresponding ends of the bottom portion 22
and the top portion 23. A pair of pads or feet 22a (see the FIG. 3
and the FIG. 4) upon which the apparatus 11 can rest are formed on
an external surface of the bottom portion 22. A bearing aperture 26
is formed in each of the end walls 20 to retain the ends of the
spool 17 as described below. A generally cylindrical bearing wall
27 surrounds the aperture 26 and extends from the plane of the end
wall 20 in the same direction as the flange 21 to form a bearing
surface.
A plurality of ribs 28 are formed on the side wall 20 and extend
between portions of the flange 21 and between the flange and the
bearing wall 27 to strengthen the side panels 12 and 13. For
example, a rib 28a extends between the side portion 25 and the
bearing wall 27 and a rib 28b extends between the side portions 24
and 25. The ribs 28 also form a retainer cavity 29 at the junction
of the bottom portion 22 and the side portion 25 for retaining an
end of the bar 14. A rib 28c extends from the side portion 25 and
joins a rib 28d extending from the bottom portion 22 to enclose the
cavity 29. In a similar manner, a rib 28e extends from the side
portion 24 and joins a rib 28f extending from the bottom portion 22
to enclose a retainer cavity 30 for retaining an end of the bar 15.
The flange 21, the bearing wall 27 and the ribs 28 are
approximately the same height. However, the top portion 23 and
adjacent sections of the side portions 24 and 25 of the flange 21
are taller to form a deeper retainer cavity 31 to retain an end of
the bar 16. A rib 28g extends between the side portions 24 and 25
and a pair of ribs 28h and 28i extend between the top portion 23
and the rib 28g to define the retainer cavity 31.
The spacer bar 14 has a central portion 32 extending between
reduced cross section end portions 33. The retainer cavity 29 in
the side panel 13 and the retainer cavity 30 in the side panel 12
are shaped and sized to snugly receive the reduced cross section
end portions 33 of the bar 14. In a similar manner, the spacer bar
15 has a central portion 34 extending between reduced cross section
end portions 35 which end portions are received in the retainer
cavity 30 in the side panel 13 and the retainer cavity 29 in the
side panel 12. The spacer bar 16 has a generally U-shaped central
portion 36 suitable for grasping by a human hand to provide a
carrying handle for the assembly 11. At opposite ends of the
central portion 36 are formed reduced cross section end portions
37. The retainer cavities 31 are shaped and sized to snugly receive
the reduced cross section end portions 37 of the bar 16.
The spool 17 is tubular and is formed of a pair of half cylindrical
spool sections 38 and 39 which are similar. The first spool section
38 includes a central portion 40 extending between a pair of
reduced diameter end portions 41. Extending radially outwardly from
the junction of the central portion 40 with each of the end
portions 41 are three flange segments 42 spaced apart approximately
90.degree.. The second spool section 39 is similar to the first
spool section 38 having a central portion 43 extending between
reduced diameter end portions 44 with three flange segments 45
extending radially outwardly therefrom approximately 90.degree.
apart. The spool sections 38 and 39 can be connected together by
any suitable means such as a plurality of threaded fasteners 46
extending through a corresponding plurality of first apertures 47
formed in the central portion 40 and threadably engaging a
corresponding plurality of blind second apertures 48 (see the FIG.
5) formed in the central portion 43 of the spool section 39. The
flange segments 42 and 45 guide a cord (not shown) as it is wound
on the outer surface of the central portions 40 and 43 of the spool
17.
As shown in the FIG. 2, the FIG. 3 and the FIG. 4, the side panels
12 and 13 are fastened to the spacer bars 14, 15 and 16. A
plurality of first attachment apertures 49 are formed in the end
wall 20, one aperture at each of the cavities 29, 30 and 31. A
plurality of threaded fasteners 50 extend through the first
attachment apertures 49 and threadably engage corresponding blind
second attachment apertures 51 formed in the ends 33, 35 and
37.
As shown in the FIG. 2, the FIG. 4 and the FIG. 6, the end portions
41 and 44 of the spool sections 38 and 39 respectively each have
legs of a generally U-shaped retainer means 52 attached to an
inwardly facing surface to form a retaining aperture. The winding
handle 18 has a generally planar body 53 with a generally tubular
projection 54 formed at a wider end thereof. A wall of the
projection 54 is slotted to form a pair of diametrically opposed
attachment means 55 each in the form of a leg having a tab 56
formed at a free end thereof. When the abutting end portions 41 and
44 at one end of the assembled spool 17 are inserted into one of
the bearing apertures 26, the projection 54 on the winding handle
can be inserted inside the end portions at the one end of the spool
and the free ends of the attachment means legs 55 will extend
through the retaining apertures formed by the retainer means 52
such that the tabs 56 resist detachment of the winding handle from
the spool.
In a similar manner, a generally tubular plug 57 has a wall which
is slotted to form a pair of diametrically opposed attachment means
58 in the form of legs each having a tab 59 formed at a free end
thereof. When the abutting end portions 41 and 44 at the other end
of the assembled spool 17 are inserted into the other bearing
aperture 26, the plug 57 can be inserted inside the end portions
and the free ends of the legs 58 will extend through the retaining
apertures formed by the retainer means 52 such that the tabs 59
resist detachment of the plug from the spool. The end portions 41
and 44, the projection 54 and the plug 57, the attachment means 55
and 58, and the tabs 56 and 59 are sized such that the winding
handle 18 and the plug are interchangeable and can be retained in
either end of the spool 17.
As shown in the FIG. 2 and the FIG. 4, the body 53 of the winding
handle 18 has a longitudinally extending cavity 60 formed therein
on the opposite surface from the projection 54. At the end of the
cavity 60 opposite the projection 54, the cavity is widened and a
pair of depressions 61 formed in facing walls thereof. A generally
cylindrical knob 62 has a pair of diametrically opposed pins 63
formed at one end thereof. When the one end of the knob 62 is
inserted into the widened end of the cavity 60, the pins 63 snap
into corresponding ones of the depressions 61 to retain the knob on
the winding arm 18.
As shown in the FIG. 1 and the FIG. 2, a pair of outwardly
extending mounting bosses 64 are formed on the exterior surface of
the end walls 20 near the bottom portion 22 thereof. Each of the
mounting bosses 64 is designed to cooperate with a mounting bracket
65 of the mounting means 19. The mounting bracket 65 has a pair of
apertures formed therein for receiving threaded fasteners 66 which
can be attached to the mounting surface S. The mounting bracket 65
also has a cup-shaped receiver 67 formed thereon into which one of
the mounting bosses 64 can be inserted. Thus, the cord storage reel
apparatus 11 is removably supported from the surface S by the
mounting means 19 and easily can be reversed from the position
shown in the FIG. 1.
The central portion 40 of the first spool section 38 and the
central portion 43 of the second spool section 39 each have a
plurality of generally rectangular slots formed therein. As shown
in the FIG. 4, the central portion 40 has a first slot 68 formed
therein adjacent one of the flange segments 42. In one corner of
the slot 68 there is formed a small cut out 68a which extends
circumferentially in the wall of the central portion 40. As shown
in the FIG. 1 and the FIG. 2, the central portion 43 has a second
slot 69 formed therein adjacent one of the flange segments 45. In
one corner of the slot 69 there is formed a small cut out 69a which
extends circumferentially in the wall of the central portion 43.
The cut outs 68a and 69a extend in opposite directions and function
as attachment means for the end of a cord to be wound on the spool
17. For example, it may be desirable to releasably attach one end
of a cord, such as a rope (not shown), to the spool 17. A knot can
be tied in the end of the cord, the knot inserted into the interior
of the spool 17 through the slot 68 or the slot 69 and the cord
pushed into the corresponding cut out 68a or 69a to releasably
retain the cord on the spool during winding and unwinding.
Also formed in the central portion 43 of the second spool section
39, at the opposite end from the slot 69, is a generally
rectangular third slot 70 as shown in the FIG. 1 and the FIG. 2.
The slot 70 formed adjacent one of the flange segments 45 and in
one corner of the slot there is formed an arrowhead shaped cut out
70a which extends longitudinally in the wall of the central portion
43. The cut out 70a functions as an attachment means for the end of
a cord to be wound on the spool 17. For example, it may be
desirable to releasably attach one end of an electrical extension
cord to the spool 17. One end of the extension cord, such as the
electrical plug end, can be inserted into the interior of the spool
17 through the slot 70 and can exit the cord storage reel apparatus
11 through the open center of the tubular plug 57. The extension
cord is pushed into the cut out 70a to releasably retain the
extension cord on the spool 17.
In summary, the apparatus 11 for storing a cord includes the pair
of side panels 12, 13, each having at least one retainer cavity 29,
30, 31 formed therein and the bearing aperture 26 formed
therethrough, and at least one spacer bar 14, 15, 16 having
opposite end portions 33, 35, 37 retained in the retainer cavities
for maintaining the side panels in spaced apart relationship. The
tubular spool 17 for storing a cord has opposite end portions 41,
44 rotatably retained in the bearing apertures 26 and the retainer
means 52 attached to each of the spool end portions. The winding
handle 18 for rotating the spool 17 in the bearing apertures 26 has
the attachment means 55 cooperating with the retainer means 52 for
releasably attaching the winding handle to the spool at a selected
one of the spool section end portions 41, 44. Each of the side
panels 12, 13 has the generally planar end wall 20, the flange 21
extending from a periphery of the end wall and a plurality of the
ribs 28 extending from the end wall and cooperating with the flange
to form the retainer cavities 29, 30, 31. The side panels 12, 13
each include the bearing wall 27 formed thereon extending about the
bearing aperture 26.
The spacer bar 16 includes the central portion 36 forming a
carrying handle. The side panels 12, 13 each have at least one
mounting boss 64 formed thereon and the apparatus 11 includes the
mounting means 19 adapted to be attached to a mounting surface for
receiving the mounting bosses and releasably retaining the side
panels on the mounting surface. The spool 17 has the first spool
section 38 with a first one of the spool end portions 41 formed at
each end thereof and one of the retainer means 52 attached to each
of the first spool section ends and the second spool section 39
with a second one of the spool end portions 44 formed at each end
thereof and one of the retainer means attached to each of the
second spool section ends. The first spool section 38 has at least
the first aperture 47 formed therein and the second spool section
39 has the second aperture 48 formed therein and the fastener means
46 extends through the first aperture and engages the second
aperture to attach the first and second spool sections together.
The spool 17 also has the plurality of flange segments 42, 45
extending radially therefrom for retaining a cord on the spool.
The winding handle attachment means 55 includes at least one leg
with the tab 56 for engaging the retainer means 52. The tubular
plug 57 is provided having the attachment means 58 cooperating with
the retainer means 52 for releasably attaching the plug to the
spool 17 at one of the spool end portions 41, 44 opposite the
winding handle 18. The plug attachment means 58 includes at least
one leg with the tab 59 for engaging the retainer means 52.
The side panels 12, 13 each have at least one foot 22a formed
thereon. The side panels 12, 13 also have first attachment
apertures 49 formed therein and the spacer bars 14, 15, 16 have
second attachment apertures 51 formed in the opposite end portions
33, 35, 37 and the fastener means 50 extend through the first
attachment apertures and engage the second attachment apertures for
attaching the side panels to the spacer bars. The winding handle 18
has the cavity 60 formed therein with at least one depression 61
formed in a wall of the cavity and the knob 62 has at least one pin
63 formed at one end thereof, the pin cooperating with the
depression to retain the knob in the cavity.
The spool 17 has at least one slot 68, 69, 70 formed therein
whereby the end of a cord can be inserted into the slot and can
extend into an interior of the spool for retaining the end of the
cord. The slots 68, 69, 70 include the cut outs 68a, 69a, 70a
respectively for retaining an end of the cord and the end of the
cord can exit the spool 17 through the center of the plug 57.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the
present invention has been described in what is considered to
represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted
that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically
illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or
scope.
* * * * *